One Dead, Multiple Injured After Car Plows Into Pedestrians in Times Square

One Dead, Multiple Injured After Car Plows Into Pedestrians in Times Square

UPDATE: One person is dead and 22 injured (four critically) after a car plowed into a crowd in New York City’s Times Square, the New York Fire Department confirms. Photos from the scene showed a maroon Honda Accord on its side and its front windshield smashed. Emergency personnel arrived on scene and treated multiple injured.

The incident happened about noon Eastern on Thursday. According to police reports, the vehicle mounted the sidewalk on the west side of 7th Avenue at West 42nd Street. It proceeded to drive along the sidewalk for three blocks, before crashing at a metal stanchion on 45th street.

Police arrested the driver, identified as 26-year-0ld Richard Rojas of the Bronx, as he tried to flee the scene.

Richard Rojas, 26 y/o of the #Bronx (driver) drove at a high rate of speed. 22 injured (4 critical) and one person is deceased. #TimesSquare

New York City mayor Bill de Blasio said there was no indication it was an act of terror.

A preliminary investigation reveals that Rojas has two prior arrests for DWI-related incidents. The investigation is continuing.

Times Square is a busy business center and popular tourist destination.
The crash occurred right as the advertising and entertainment community were departing The CW’s upfront, which marked the final presentation for the week. The event was held not far from the accident, just about 10 blocks north, and many attendees were walking back towards the crash site as NYPD cars and helicopters began to arrive on scene.